CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced new ticket prices along with season ticket renewal and sales dates for the 2012 football season. Led by new head coach Tim Beckman, the Illini are coming off bowl wins in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. The 2012 schedule includes seven home games, including four in the month of September.

"Coach Beckman and his staff are sure to put an entertaining product on the field this fall and we hope that our loyal season ticket holders will fill Memorial Stadium for each game," athletics director Mike Thomas said. "We'll need a sea of orange every home Saturday to help us make our third-consecutive bowl appearance. We analyzed our ticket prices and feel we have created options for every budget and group size to experience the thrill of Big Ten football at Memorial Stadium."

Sideline season ticket prices are $230 (less than $33 per game) with prime locations between the 20-yard lines on each side priced at $315 ($45 per game). Horseshoe and student season ticket prices will remain an incredible value at $99 (less than $15 per game). Single-game tickets, which go on sale on July 17, will be $50 for Big Ten contests, while the non-conference games will be priced at $25 each.

"The outstanding fans of Illini Nation are critical to the success of our football team," head football coach Tim Beckman said. "We need Memorial Stadium filled with orange each and every home game, providing the energy and atmosphere to make it the most intimidating stadium in the Big Ten."

Current season ticket holders at all price levels must renew by April 3 to remain in their current seat location or have a chance to improve their seats. Renewal information is being sent out this week. Season ticket holders may improve their ticket location by joining the I FUND or increasing their annual giving to the I FUND. The I FUND may be reached at 217-333-6277 in Champaign or 312-575-7850 in Chicago.

Those interested in becoming new football season ticket holders may contact the Athletics Ticket Office at 1-866-ILLINI-1 or purchase tickets online at FightingIllini.com. Sideline season tickets for new buyers are on sale now, while $99 season tickets will be available to new customers on May 15. In addition to the horseshoe, $99 season tickets will also be available in section 109, which was previously seating for visiting fans. The opponent seating area will now be in sections 208 and 209.